Ditton Priors Embraces Gigabit Broadband, Boosting Rural Shropshire's Connectivity

In a significant development for digital connectivity in rural England, nearly 200 homes and businesses in Shropshire's remote areas have been connected to gigabit broadband. This achievement is the culmination of efforts by Kloud9, in partnership with the UK Government and Shropshire Council’s Connecting Shropshire programme. The initiative, fueled by the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet to the UK's most isolated locations.

The village of Ditton Priors is now among the first in Shropshire to benefit from this enhanced connectivity, marking a pivotal moment for its residents and local businesses. The project, initiated in August 2023 by Kloud9, was driven by the necessity of integrating advanced broadband infrastructure within rural communities. Julie Bushell, Kloud9’s Community Engagement Manager, emphasized the critical need for gigabit broadband in ensuring rural villages are not left behind in the digital era.

Residents have already begun to experience the transformative impact of gigabit broadband. One local highlighted the swift execution of the project, which saw most of the community connected before Christmas. This rapid development has been particularly beneficial for local establishments like the village hall and Willows Café, where operational efficiency and customer service have seen significant improvements.

The installation of free wireless access points at Willows Café has resolved previous issues with card payments and enhanced customer experience by offering reliable Wi-Fi. This upgrade is a testament to Kloud9's commitment to not just connect communities to high-speed internet but also improve their day-to-day lives.

Alex Jackson, CEO of AJ Technology, expressed satisfaction with the project's outcome, noting the rewarding experience of engaging with the community and delivering a robust network ahead of the festive season. Kloud9's ongoing efforts in Shropshire reflect a broader ambition to advance digital connectivity across the UK, with several more projects underway.

Cllr. Robert Macey of Shropshire Council highlighted the importance of additional funding through DSIT’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which has accelerated the deployment of full-fibre broadband networks in rural areas. This strategic investment is set to propel Shropshire's more secluded communities into the digital fast lane, ensuring they remain competitive and connected in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

The successful rollout in Ditton Priors serves as a model for future projects aimed at eliminating digital isolation in rural Britain. As Kloud9 continues its work under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, the focus remains on ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing high-speed internet—a resource now considered as essential as any traditional utility.